Potential of Portland pozzolana cement in the stabilization of an expansive soil subjected to alternate cycles of wetting and drying

Abstract

Cement/lime stabilization of soils is one of the common techniques adopted for improving its geotechnical properties. Lately, the focus of investigation has shifted to blended stabilization with industrial wastes as auxiliary additives. However, the role of blended cement in stabilization of soil has been studied insufficiently despite the fact that it is manufactured under controlled conditions. This investigation deals with the use of Portland pozzolana cement (PPC) instead of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in the stabilization of an expansive soil subjected to alternate cycles of wetting and drying. Unconfined compression strength (UCS) test specimens of dimensions 38mm x 76mm were cast and cured for periods of 7, 14 and 21 days. Then, the specimens were subjected to 1, 2 and 3 cycles of wetting and drying and the UCS of the specimens were determined. Based on the results of the investigation, it was found that OPC performed significantly better than PPC under normal conditions. However, under conditions of wetting and drying, PPC stabilized soil performed much better than OPC stabilized soil when sufficient binder content was available.